What is CELTA?
It gives you a qualification for entry into the field of EFL teaching to
adults internationally. The acronym stands for Certificate in English Language
Teaching to Adults. It is validated by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations
Syndicate who set the guidelines and criteria for centres running these courses.
How long does the course take?
The course is a minimum of 140 contact hours and is full time over four weeks.
You attend the school from 9 a.m. till about 5/5.30 and then spend most evenings
preparing lessons for the following day. Cambridge recommends that a minimum of 80
additional learning hours for reading, research, assignment writing and lesson
preparation is required on a course. This would average out to about 15 hours a week
on top of contact hours.
On part time courses run over 12 weeks, the contact times are Saturday mornings from
10.00 to 13.15 and Monday and Wednesday evenings 18.00 to 21.00.
Can I enrol?
Yes, if you are at least 18 years old at the start of the course. It is generally
recommended that you are aged 20 and over though. You should also have a standard
of education that would allow entry to Higher Education in your country. You should
have an awareness of language and a competence in English, both written and spoken,
that enables you to follow the course and complete the assignments set throughout
the course.
Do I need to be able to speak a foreign language?
No, but it can help you if you have an awareness of another language.
Do I need to have previous teaching Experience?
No. The CELTA course is designed as a pre-service course for people with no previous
teaching experience. It is also a popular course with those who have a PGCE and
experience in the state sector but who are looking for a change of direction.
What are the course contents?
Input sessions are devoted to methodology, language awareness, phonology and lesson
preparation. It is a Cambridge requirement that you observe 6 hours of classes
with qualified teachers (3 are of live teaching and 3 can be of videos) and have
a minimum of 6 hours observed teaching practice.
On our courses here, teaching practice takes place in the afternoons and by the
end of the course you will have taught two or three levels of classes.
Where do the teaching practice students come from?
The community. Many of them are working in Edinburgh, i.e. in bars, restaurants
or are au pairs, and they pay a registration fee to attend these classes taught
by you and observed by tutors.
Is there an examination at the end?
No. You are assessed on 2 components: your teaching practice and written assignments.
Cambridge has a set of criteria for each component that you must meet to get the certificate.
Towards the end of the course an external assessor comes in to moderate the course and
to ensure that assessment is carried out consistently.
You will have at least two tutorials during which you will be given an indication of your
progress to date.
Is it easy to find a job?
It is more difficult to find a full-time job in Britain, except in the summer
months when there are many summer schools operating in Edinburgh and the rest
of Britain - particularly in the London area. We therefore recommend that you
go abroad after the course. During the course information will be available to
assist you in finding employment.
When do courses run in 2012?
Full time:
09/01/2012 - 03/02/2012
13/02/2012 - 09/03/2012
16/04/2012 - 11/05/2012
28/05/2012 - 22/06/2012
02/07/2012 - 27/07/2012
06/08/2012 - 31/08/2012
03/09/2012 - 28/09/2012
08/10/2012 - 02/11/2012
12/11/2012 - 07/12/2012
Part time:
21/01/2012 - 21/04/2012
22/09/2012 - 15/12/2012
The full time courses run from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5/5.30 p.m. irrespective
of Scottish, municipal or Bank Holidays
Contact times for the part time course are Saturday mornings 10.00 to 13.15, Monday and Wednesday evenings 18.00 to 21.00
How much is the course?
£990 (inclusive of the Cambridge fee).
Can I get financial assistance for the course?
Some Regional Councils will give you a grant but you will have to contact them
yourself.
How do I apply?
You can download
an application form and accompanying written tasks from this page.
Complete both and return them to the school address with copies of any
relevant qualifications you have to support your application. If your
application meets requirements we will invite you to attend an
interview. These interviews are usually conducted in groups (or a
telephone can be arranged if a candidate lives far away) and short
tasks are set to assess a candidate's suitability. In most cases the
decision to accept or reject a candidate is made at the end of the
interview.
[ intro
letter | application form | task
]
Why choose this centre?
